Two-step equations
A two-step equation is an equation where the variable is first combined with another number by addition or subtraction, and then multiplied or divided by a number. The goal is to isolate the variable so that it stands alone.
Method
- Undo addition or subtraction first.
- If a number is added to the variable term, subtract it from both sides.
- If a number is subtracted, add it to both sides.
- Undo multiplication or division second.
- If the variable is multiplied by a number, divide both sides by that number.
- If it is divided by a number, multiply both sides by that number.
- Simplify carefully.
- Keep the equation balanced by doing the same operation on both sides.
- Write the final value in simplest form.
Example pattern
If an equation looks like 3x + 5 = 20, first subtract 5, then divide by 3.
Check your answer
Substitute your value back into the original equation. If both sides are equal, the solution is correct. This check helps catch sign errors and arithmetic mistakes.